The BBC are ringing the changes; shortly after dropping their 3D programming for the foreseeable future, they’ve decided to expand their HD capabilities. Specifically, there will be HD versions of BBC News, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBeebies and CBBC – all of which will be available over rooftop aerials via Freeview receivers as well as satellite and cable services.

"BBC One HD and BBC Two HD have already proved to be highly valued by our audiences and I'm delighted that we're able to follow this with the launch of five new subscription-free BBC HD channels by early 2014," said the BBC's director general Tony Hall. "These new channels will allow us to showcase more of our programming at its very best."

BBC One HD, BBC Two HD, ITV HD and Channel 4 HD are the only channels available on the Freeview service at the moment, with many more accessible on TV rival Sky. The news comes after the tax-funded corporation decided suspend their 3D programming for a while.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Kim Shillinglaw, the BBC's head of 3D said: "I have never seen a very big appetite for 3D television in the UK. I think when people watch TV they concentrate in a different way. When people go to the cinema they go and are used to doing one thing - I think that's one of the reasons that take up of 3D TV has been disappointing."

Dr Who - starring the exiting Matt Smith - will still be shown in 3D for those who can make the most of it.